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Green Man, Winchester

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user reviews of the Green Man, Winchester

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Fundamentally serves the posh end of town - which in winchester you might think is the whole town, but its really the knitted fashion jumper, fancy welly brigade who like a wall of wine aka All-Bar-One, but in more refined environs.

an e.g: Sort of place you get really fancy nuts in bowls - now i am all for upgrading from KP/sky TV joints, but a good joint wouldnt go this wanky it would just serve better branded nuts

Staff are friendly enough but lacking conversational skills/interest.

I find the place therefore a little pretentious and trying - everyone is so pleasant there is little in the way of topical pub banter. Beer's are Greene King so boring selection and beware if you turnup looking poor.

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parmantom - 26 Apr 2012 10:51

One of my favourite pubs in the city. Well kept beer, fine wines and good food. Seating arrangements are excellent considering the size of the pub. Lounging in the old cinema seats in particular is a treat, especially at night when the candles are lit. You can lean back, slowly supping your (albeit expensive) pint of Blue Moon and drink in the atmosphere of this wonderful wee pub. Highly recommended.

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SpringHeeledJim - 16 Oct 2011 16:30

Went in here with slight trepidation, having lived here many years ago and not been in for over 20 years. Needn't have worried. Very friendly staff, excellent range of wine (incl. a very good Marlborough Sauvignon) and delightful ambience. My friend had food,which he said was very good (and he is not given to hyperbole). A most enjoyable experience, and I will definitely be back.

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TearDrop4 - 12 Sep 2011 10:41

Decent drinking pub, albeit Greene king but without the usual �4.25 eat as much as you want GK tat style. Interior is quite poshed up, its clearly got a modern female influence at the tiller, large and obvious wine selection (so strong focus on the All Bar One ladies style). Ale is GK plus Black Sheep. not cheap, small courtyard suntrap terrace. Opposite the cinema so worthwhile drink venue for a film.

Part of a local chain that includes Corner House (average) also in town.

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parmantom - 27 Apr 2011 12:19

Much improved since last visit (couple of years ago).

Greene king beer, with a guest ale... Had Black Sheep well kept, bit pricey at �3.50 though.

Busy on a Saturday evening, polite and attentive staff.

Clean throughout.

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beershot - 11 Apr 2011 13:09

Popped in for a pint with a few friends on Friday, very busy but well worth the visit, I like pubs with good beer and friendly staff, so I liked this one.
Nice interior as well.

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EdBeery - 1 Feb 2011 08:51

A new beginning with new interior and splendid colour scheme, I ate there with two friends. Beer is Green King Lite but with Blue Moon on tap. Food was average and cock'd up by the bar staff. What was intollerable was being accused of not paying for our average meal on the way out of the pub - despite paying the meal by credit card and to an off duty bar man - by being shouted at across the bar! I would recommend the Queen's on Kingsgate Street as better value and friendlier bar staff.

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normality2000 - 13 Jan 2011 22:56

A much-changed incarnation of this once basic city boozer, the new landlords are attempting to encourage the 30+somethings, with a fairly eclectic choice of wines and beers. The lighting is moody and dim; unfortunately so are a number of the customers who have gravitated here from the Wykeham. That aside, the beers are well kept (although pricey) and the atmosphere is of quiet, subdued comfort. Unless you happen to be sitting next to a table of solicitors' company staff on an evening out with many of them trying to out-ego everyone else. The staff are very pleasant and courteous and it is a pleasure to see what was once a very underused pub back to a semblance of its glory days.

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thesaintsfan - 11 Dec 2010 00:13

Recently visited after the refurb as mum just moved to area , really impressed with the cosy & classy decor , nice range of beers and wines .

Had a bar meal which was very nice and would definately return once restaurant is opened for a meal

Nice mix of customers from Barristers enjoynig a wind down to the early 30's crowd

Well worth a trip if in Winch !

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10bottlesofbeer - 28 Oct 2010 15:34

The Green Man is due to re-open within a month according to CAMRA and the local press.

The pub is to be relaunched as a traditional lounge bar for the over-35's by Jayne Gillin, who already runs the St James Tavern and Corner House pubs.
Plans are for a lounge bar downstairs with an eating area above.

It will be interesting to see how this one works out, being a little off the main pub circuit but handy if walking into Winchester from St Cross.

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FLO - 28 Aug 2010 22:14

Sadly still shut.

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SotonAleDrinker - 4 Jul 2010 15:28

Brick and flint built pub with basic Victorian type d�cor although I remember it a good few years ago as modernish with carpet going halfway up the bar counter. The present style is probably described as something like �retro shabby chic�, it does have some good original etched windows though. The outside says Greene King but there is not a sign of their products inside, instead there are four hand pumps, only one in use selling Bowman's �A Swift One� and on my visit two casks on the bar. Four discreetly placed keg fonts serving Carlsberg, Heineken, Guinness and Stowford Press cider, other ciders were also listed on a blackboard. I had Keltic Even Keel straight from the cask and although it was fitted with a cooling jacket the beer was warmish, flat and lacking any condition. An early Tuesday evening visit but it still seemed a bit cruel to leave the barman all on his own as I was the only punter. Free Wi-Fi available.

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oldboots - 12 Jul 2009 20:05

well done for the real ale, however can say it is a shame for a "real" as the last person it not to have sport on tv. (oh apart from the tiny portable in the corner). Not all sports pubs are bad boozers. Food ok, not great though and done at strange times of the week.

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beermonster1984 - 16 Apr 2009 00:03

Yep, it's all true, an old fashioned boozer!!! Great pint of Bowmans, swiftone and a god sandwich.

Pubs like this should make a comeback, great welcome, top bee and a great bite to eat, top marks!!!

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jimlul733 - 9 Mar 2009 19:08

Well, I'm shocked!!!!! What a change. If you want a proper boozer this is it. 4 ales, 2 local brews, out of the cask on the bar, scrumpy ciders, brilliant!!!

Gone are the fruit machines, giant TV screens and pool table, to be replaced with a clean, friedly pub with a charm you don't often get anymore.

I would urge any CAMRA member to visit!!!!!

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madmax66 - 14 Nov 2008 22:58

I've visited the pub a couple of times since it reopened with new owners. The difference is amazing, you can tell that they have taken care to address the dirtiness that was there before....even the beer tasted cleaner

A great little pub with pool table, darts & skittles, a couple of big flat screen tv's for the sport and it gives you the feeling that the service you get is personal.

Go and pay a visit, I will again soon!!

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Thespur - 24 Jul 2008 13:55

I visited this Pub on Saturday when it re-opened and I have to say the difference was quite amazing, it is now clean and has been freshly painted and the floor has had a complete overhaul, well worth a visit! It was a very nice warm welcome from the new Landlord and Landlady. Please go and check it out for yourself. Be prepared to be amazed!

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SAP - 8 Jul 2008 14:58

I note that this Pub has now been taken over, so why not give the new Landlord/Landlady a chance, it has been given a fresh clean look inside, worth a visit once re-opened, which is hopefully Friday 4th July.

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SAP - 3 Jul 2008 11:30

Don't know about EMO's as Quinno suggested but certainly a few charvers present.

Gk IPA passable.

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danbert - 21 Jun 2008 19:56

I agree - DISGUSTUING!!
another filthy pub (wipe your feet on the way OUT!)
God knows the last time the pipes were ever cleaned, judging by the rest of the pub not for a VERY long time.
The landlord was intoxicated when we arrived, which might explain a lot.
I'd AVOID this like the plague (which is proberly still prevelant inside)

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secretreveiwer - 10 Jan 2008 15:46

The owner's blind so if there's a problem let him know! The chef tried to pass off 6 scampi as a portion when i ate there

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chinois - 29 Aug 2007 12:44

The joint worst pub on our crawl (along with the Rising Sun), both Greedy King ales here were in appalling condition. No atmosphere, save for a couple of fishwives at the bar.

Shame because I quite liked the interior. Also get the feeling the local EMO�s might hang out here.

Working dumb waiter was an interesting touch, as was the slightly unfathomable choice of two different types of handwash available in the gentleman�s convenience.

Must do better.

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Quinno - 23 Jul 2007 22:02

One of the few remaining real pubs left in Winchester! The landlord & landlady have lots to be proud of.

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anonymous - 17 May 2007 14:32

Went to the Green Man when it was a non-smoking pub. It then had a lovely atmosphere and the smell of fresh flowers greeted me on the way in. Food was very good and modern art pictures adorned the walls. Beer also very good. Went there recently and all that had changed - smokey, no pictures, unfriendly atmosphere.

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riverdaughter - 17 Mar 2007 23:49

Tried this pub a few times and found it quite good during a lunchtime or evening.

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anonymous - 17 Mar 2007 10:42

We live in a free country (thankfully!) and mwooles is obviously entitled to an opinion, which I respect, but I cannot agree with it.
It would be nice to see more reviews on The Green Man.

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bobt800 - 3 Feb 2007 20:29

I see what your saying, so putting the smoking aside, I still felt the pub had really reduced in terms of service, food, etc.

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MWooles - 19 Dec 2006 11:58

Dec 17th 2006 - what happened to the Green Man ?
The pub has gone back to allowing smoking throughout, the nice furniture and fires have dissappeared and the service is now "surly" at best...I can't vouch for the food, but the blackboard has gone too, so suspect the Menu has altered for the worst.

This has gone from a 9.5 to about 1/10 now.

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MWooles - 18 Dec 2006 11:37

The Green Man, Winchester, has been my "local" for the best part of 29 years. Not so much because it was near my home, but because I believe to call a pub your local you must feel relaxed there.
I have, over the years, seen many changes of Landlords/Ladies and each have brought thier own touches to the pub- none of them bad!
However, the current partnership of Martin and Linda Jacobs, combined with the staff- Dan, Dave and Stuart- have managed to acheive a feeling of "family" which I have yet to find in any other pub, no matter how good.
As for the food.... If you can eat one of thier double cheese and bacon burgers (with all the trimmings) and then look me in the eye and tell me it was not the best food you have ever had, I would have to seriously doubt your word!!!
Good luck to the team at TGM, and please don't change anything.
Also, to anyone reading this, I have no affilliation with the pub, it is simply THE best pub in Winchester (in my opinion)
All the best,
Bob Thompson.

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bobt800 - 15 Oct 2006 16:38

can anyone remember when irene used to be the land lady?

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olddrinker - 20 Jun 2006 11:45

pretty good pub.

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bigforestdave - 29 Mar 2006 21:07

I go to the Green Man often over lunch, as it is local to my office. The food is taisty and the service very good. We go there because it is no smoking, and frankly smokers you'd better get used to it....

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HampshireLass - 15 Feb 2006 08:54

Fighting my way through the staff and customers smoking on the steps outside, you will find the best nearly pub in town. Nice old building, solid central bar, usually decent beer...and the atmosphere like the moon...zero. So many landlords have tried and so many have failed. It could have been a contender.

Young kid could have only been twelve, chugging on a B and H, sat on a barstool at ten at night... a bit strange, he was drinking a half?

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bornandbred - 21 Nov 2005 16:53

food is much improved. This is a smashing pub for a few drinks before going to the cinema

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olive_man - 6 Oct 2005 11:03

this is an opportunity to rate the pub.lets get away from the "smoking" question - its old hat and boring.

I like the Green Man, and frankly its grand for a few pints at dinner time with some decent grub.

Also brilliant for a meal and a pint before nipping over the road to the screen cinema.

the beer is good, the staff are friendly and the skittle alley is fun for office parties.

go there, go to the local cinema (rather than some benighted multiplex) and go home happy - and not stinking of someone elses smoke.

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anonymous - 6 Oct 2005 10:49

I was about to write that this is the smokiest pub in Winchester. But according to another reviewer it's now 'no smoking'. Where will all the under-agers go to tug on their Marlborough Lights? Somewhere else is the answer.

The point is that a pub is a pub. The last bastion of all that's good about being an irresponsible adult. So there should be some rules to preserve the thing:

First is that smoking should be allowed in all pubs - and I say that as a non-smoker (at least until 8 pints). Kids should not. Food? forget it, eating is cheating. As for credit cards, don't let them be used, particularly when the buyer of a single white wine and soda is some daft bird.

Somebody shoot me ....

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anonymous - 19 Jul 2005 17:26

No Smoking, what more can i say?

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smiles - 19 May 2005 20:46

got anything to say about this pub?

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